SSE: Strategic, Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting

Assessing total impact to benefit strategic planning decisions

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), part of SSE Plc’s electricity networks business, is making sure we account for social, environmental and economic factors when planning future capex projects.

Between 2015 and 2023 SSEN plans to replace approximately 100km (22%) of its network of submarine electricity cables. Based on current projections this could cost up to £300m or six times the expected budget as a result of changes in the National Marine planning process. This cost will ultimately be paid for by electricity customers in the north of Scotland and thus their views on the process were fundamental as this would substantially effect the strategic planning and forecasting of how and when the works are carried out. The current model for quantifying the benefits and costs is the next evolution of the impact assessment process that Scottish Hydro Electric (SHE) Transmission developed to support its capital expenditure programme.

The table below shows the key impacts that are quantified in the submarine electricity cables cost benefit analysis methodology.